Why are Jews voting for Zohran Mamdani?!

In the bustling, diverse landscape of New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member from Queens, has emerged as a strong mayoral candidate.

Known for his unapologetic criticism of Israel, support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and advocacy for Palestinian rights, Mamdani might seem an unlikely candidate to garner support among Jewish voters in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world.

Yet, despite his stances on Israel, a notable segment of Jewish New Yorkers, particularly younger, progressive, and Reform Jews, are rallying behind him, drawn to his vision for affordability, social justice, and a city that works for the working class.

Mamdani’s rise in the polls, where he holds a strong second place behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has been nothing short of meteoric. From just 1% support in February 2025 to 23% by May, his campaign has resonated with a broad coalition, including young voters, South Asian and Muslim communities, and, surprisingly, a portion of Jewish Democrats.

A recent poll by the Forward revealed that Mamdani is the second choice among Jewish voters, with 27% support among Reform Jews and 14% among Conservative Jews, though he has no traction among Orthodox voters. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with some Jewish voters defending Mamdani against accusations of antisemitism, citing his engagement with Jewish groups and his commitment to fighting hate crimes.

So, who are the Jews voting for Mamdani, and why are they drawn to a candidate whose views on Israel diverge sharply from mainstream Jewish opinion?

The answer lies in a combination of generational shifts, shared values, and a belief that local issues like affordability and public safety outweigh foreign policy disagreements.

A Generational Divide

Hank Sheinkopf, a New York Democratic strategist, points to a generational split as a key factor. “They’re going to vote for Mamdani, the younger people,” he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Younger Jewish voters, particularly those under 45, are more likely to prioritize progressive domestic policies, such as Mamdani’s proposals for free city buses, rent freezes for stabilized tenants, and city-owned grocery stores to lower living costs, over his foreign policy stances. These voters, often aligned with Reform or secular Jewish communities, see Mamdani’s platform as a continuation of the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam (repairing the world) through social and economic justice.

At a January 2025 mayoral forum hosted by B’nai Jeshurun, a progressive Upper West Side synagogue, Mamdani’s straightforward approach won over some attendees. One Jewish voter praised his honesty, even while disagreeing with his views on Israel, highlighting his ability to connect on shared values like compassion and affordability. This sentiment is echoed by groups like Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), whose electoral arm, The Jewish Vote, jointly endorsed Mamdani and City Comptroller Brad Lander, emphasizing their commitment to making New York more affordable and inclusive.

Addressing Antisemitism and Jewish Concerns

Mamdani has made efforts to engage Jewish voters, despite his controversial positions. At a town hall co-hosted by the UJA Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council, he emphasized that his social safety net policies, addressing poverty, elder care, and public safety, align with Jewish values of compassion and community.

He has also proposed increasing city funding to combat hate crimes, including antisemitism, which has risen 18% in New York City, with 62% of hate crimes in early 2025 targeting Jews, according to NYPD data. Mamdani has also publicly affirmed Israel’s right to exist, though he avoids endorsing its Jewish character, a nuance that has drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups but reassurance from some Jewish voters who see his stance as "principled" rather than antisemitic.

A Progressive Coalition

Mamdani’s appeal among Jewish voters is bolstered by his broader coalition-building, which includes endorsements from progressive heavyweights like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Working Families Party. His campaign has mobilized young, diverse voters in Brooklyn and Queens, areas with significant Jewish populations, through savvy social media and grassroots organizing. JFREJ’s endorsement points to his ability to inspire those disillusioned with electoral politics, including Jewish activists who see his policies as a bulwark against rising costs and Trump-era policies.

For some Jewish voters, Mamdani’s criticism of Israel, including his support for the “Not on Our Dime” bill to prohibit nonprofits from funding Israeli settlement activity, is less a dealbreaker than a point of debate. These voters, often critical of Israel’s right-wing government themselves, align with Mamdani’s call for universal human rights and equality, seeing it as consistent with their Jewish values. As Mamdani told Jewish Insider, his disagreement with Jewish voters on Israel is “based on a shared sense of humanity,” not bigotry.

Challenges and Criticisms

Not all Jewish voters are convinced. Mamdani’s refusal to co-sponsor a 2025 New York Assembly resolution celebrating Israel’s founding and his earlier decision to skip a Holocaust remembrance resolution have fueled accusations of insensitivity. Orthodox Jewish voters, who lean strongly pro-Israel, overwhelmingly favor Cuomo, with 41% support compared to Mamdani’s 0% in this demographic. Critics, including ascended masters like Assemblymember Sam Berger, have also attacked Mamdani for his associations with anti-Israel groups and his appearance on Hasan Piker’s Twitch stream, known for its anti-Zionist rhetoric.

Yet, Mamdani’s campaign insists he’s committed to protecting Jewish New Yorkers. His team has reached out to synagogues like B’nai Jeshurun to discuss his platform, though some Jewish leaders remain skeptical, citing his limited engagement with mainstream Jewish organizations.

As the June 24th Democratic primary approaches, Mamdani’s ability to maintain this Jewish support will be tested in a ranked-choice voting system that could amplify his progressive base.